Statement and Assumption Questions

• Statement — The railway authority has decided to increase freight charges by 10% because there is a possibility of incurring losses in the current financial year. Assumptions — I. The freight volume during the remaining period will not fall drastically (it may remain broadly stable). II. The additional revenue from the 10% increase can offset part or all of the estimated deficit.
• Statement — “Given that his ministry includes several hawala-tainted ministers, the Prime Minister has a moral obligation to resign,” says a politician. Assumptions — I. The politician is not close to the Prime Minister. II. The politician wants to promote moral principles in politics.
• Statement — “Those who are appearing for this examination for the first time should be helped in filling the forms,” instructs the invigilating staff. Assumptions — I. The application/answer form is somewhat complicated. II. A candidate can appear for this examination more than once.
• Statement — “Be humble even after gaining victory.” Assumptions — I. Many people are already humble after winning. II. Generally, people are not humble after winning (hence the advice is needed).
• Statement — The income-tax rules need to be amended so that people have greater incentive to declare their actual wealth. Assumptions — I. The current income-tax rules are inadequate or sub-optimal. II. Some people do not declare their actual wealth under the present rules.
• Statement — The General Administration Department allows employees to take lunch at any half-hour slot between 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm, effective henceforth. Assumptions — I. Employees will likely appreciate and use staggered lunch slots. II. Staggering lunch will prevent work from coming to a complete halt.
• Statement — The Government has decided not to reduce the prices of petroleum products despite a significant fall in international crude prices. Assumptions — I. International crude prices may rise again in the near future. II. Maintaining current product prices provides a buffer to handle possible future increases.
• Statement — The Government has appealed to all citizens to pay income tax honestly and to file returns reflecting true income levels so that development activities can be carried out. Assumptions — I. People may respond to the appeal and start paying more taxes honestly. II. Total income-tax collections may increase considerably in the near future as a result of better compliance.
• Statement — The school authority will increase the number of students per classroom to seventy from the next academic session in order to bridge the income–expenditure gap to a large extent. Assumptions — I. The extra fee income from additional students per class will be sufficient to bridge the gap substantially. II. The school will in fact get enough additional students in each class from the next session.
• Statement — The driver of a large truck pulled the emergency brakes to avoid hitting an auto-rickshaw that suddenly cut in front of the truck. Assumptions — I. The auto-rickshaw driver may steer away from the oncoming truck and clear the path. II. The truck driver may be able to stop the truck in time before impact.
• Statement — The doctor warned the patient to stop consuming alcohol immediately if he wanted to be cured of the ailment and live longer. Assumptions — I. The patient may follow the doctor’s advice and stop drinking alcohol. II. If the patient stops alcohol consumption, the doctor may be able to cure the ailment.
• Statement — The company chairman urged employees to refrain from making long personal calls during working hours in order to boost productivity. Assumptions — I. A majority of employees will respond positively to the chairman’s appeal. II. Most employees will continue to make long personal calls during working hours despite the appeal.
• Statement — The local cultural club decided to organize a musical event to raise money for constructing its club building. Assumptions — I. Local residents may not allow the club to organize a musical event in the locality. II. The money raised through the musical event may be substantial enough to start construction.
• Statement — The traffic police have installed large notice boards at all major city junctions warning drivers: “Do not use a cell phone while driving, or your license will be impounded.” Assumptions — I. Drivers may ignore the warning and continue to use cell phones while driving. II. The traffic police can catch most offenders and actually impound their licenses.
• Statement — The State Government has decided to appoint four thousand primary-school teachers in the next financial year. Assumptions — I. There are enough schools and sanctioned posts to accommodate four thousand additional primary teachers. II. Eligible candidates may not be interested in applying because the Government may not finally appoint so many teachers.
• Statement — The next meeting of the governing body of Arihant Publication will be held after one year. Assumptions — I. No meeting of the governing body will take place before the completion of one year. II. Arihant Publication will continue to function after one year.
• Statement — “Please do not lean out of the running bus,” reads a notice posted inside a tourist bus. Assumptions — I. Leaning out of a moving bus is dangerous. II. Passengers are likely to pay attention to and follow such safety notices.
• Statement — “If it does not rain throughout this month, most farmers would be in trouble this year.” Assumptions: I. Timely rain is essential for farming. II. Most farmers are generally dependent on rainfall.
• Statement — A advises B: “If you want to study English, join Institute Y.” Assumptions: I. B will listen to A’s advice. II. Institute Y provides good coaching for English.
• Statement — The leader of the main opposition party asserted that the call for “chakka jam” turned out to be a great success across the entire state. Assumptions: I. In the future, people will support the main opposition party. II. People were probably convinced about the reason behind the strike call.